Voice search is quickly becoming the preferred way people search the web, and marketers need to start thinking ahead to reap the benefits of this new technology. Fortunately, there are plenty of timely SEO strategies and resources available to guide businesses towards success. Here are six steps you can take now to get an edge on the competition:
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Optimize for Long-Tail Keywords: Long-tail keywords are key phrases comprised of three or more words. They're more specific than shorter phrases and make it easier for voice search engine algorithms to figure out exactly what a user is asking for. Make sure to use natural-sounding language in your web content and optimize for relevant long-tail keywords related to your product or service.
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Boost Your Content for Featured Snippets: When users ask a question via voice search, the first result the search engine will often provide is one of the featured snippets. If you want to get your content to the top of the search results page, you will want to boost it for featured snippets. Structuring your content in the form of well-written bullets of short answers is one of the best ways to get your content noticed by voice search algorithms.
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Focus on Local SEO: Local SEO is an important factor for voice search. To rank higher in local searches in places like Apple, Google and Amazon, you’ll need to maximize your local listings and optimize your website for local keywords. Many voice search-based queries are location-based, so having a local presence is essential.
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Include Frequently Asked Questions: Creating “FAQ” pages on your website can help you gain valuable insight into the kinds of questions people are asking about your business or product. Once you have the most popular questions, you can then create content or “how-to” videos to answer them. Make sure to include keywords and phrases that reflect the keywords you’ve optimized for in your SEO strategy.
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Utilize Structured Data: Structured data, which includes things like author, publication date, product reviews, and more, helps search engine algorithms quickly understand the context of content more easily. Adding structured data in your webpages, as well as in content on platforms such as YouTube, helps voice search engine algorithms access your content faster.
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Use Voice-Enabled Platforms: Voice-enabled platforms such as Google Home, Amazon Alexa, and Apple HomePod are emerging as powerful marketing channels. Make sure your business is recognizable on these types of platforms by providing content that’s optimized for them. As voice search evolves, staying current with the changes will ensure your SEO strategy remains relevant.
Ultimately, SEO for voice search is a change from traditional SEO strategies. Understanding the strategies and keeping track of the latest trends can help you stay ahead of the competition. With these resources, you will be able to successfully market your business to voice search users.